A quarter of drivers have never changed their engine oil – so do you exaggerate your car maintenance knowledge?

A quarter of drivers have never changed the engine oil in their car according to a poll which reveals the lack of knowledge many have when it comes to their vehicles.

The research of 2,500 motorists by digital marketplace Auto Trader found 37 per cent lack the basic knowledge needed to keep their car in peak condition, despite 59 per cent feeling such maintenance is essential.

Performing regular oil changes, which are among the most basic of car maintenance tasks, is important to keep a car engine healthy - it helps keep the internal components lubricated and cool. Without regular oil changes, engines can be seriously damaged in the long-run.

Slippery business: Nearly a quarter of motorists who are savvy with upkeep learnt skills from their family

Most manufacturers suggest changing the oil every 6,000 miles. Drivers can save time and money doing it themselves, rather than relying on a mechanic.

Most modern engines now last 200,000 miles or more - and the AA say this is down to improvements in the quality and durability of engine oils. If you are unsure, here is a good oil changing guide from Direct Line which reveals how to do it.

Elsewhere, the Auto Trader survey found the lack of maintenance skills means 32 per cent have never checked their oil filter.

It also found 14 per cent have exaggerated their mechanical know-how largely in order to fit in, prevent embarrassment and impress friends.

The top reason motorists have for not maintaining their car is the fact they find it easier to get it done by a professional, with 37 per cent citing this.

Other reasons include, the work being too time consuming, closely followed by worrying about not maintaining their car to a safe standard.

Of those who claim they are savvy in car upkeep, three in five are self-taught, with a further 28 per cent learning their knowledge from family and 23 per cent picking-up hints and tips from friends.

Jon Quirk, editor-in-chief at Auto Trader, said: ‘A basic level of car maintenance knowledge is essential for all motorists, as it will help to ensure the safety of both drivers and their passengers.

‘It’s interesting to see that 55 per cent of those surveyed want to know more about how to maintain their car, especially the younger generation of drivers.’

There is a clear generational divide in the reasons for not maintaining cars, with under-35s concerned about causing damage, unlike over-35s who admit it is easier to get their car fixed by a professional.

When dealing with a breakdown, nearly half of over-35s admit they would call their breakdown service provider.

Inquisitive under-35s, on the other hand, are keen to get stuck in and try to identify and fix the problem themselves, with 38 per cent saying this.

The eagerness of younger drivers to get their hands dirty may also reflect the fact they tend to drive smaller, simpler cars that are not as complicated as more expensive, newer models.

Despite nearly half of those surveyed believing there is a ‘masculine need’ to be knowledgeable about car maintenance, one in three men possess a limited or non-existent level of car maintenance knowledge.

However, 46 per cent of women still feel that car know-how is an essential skill for men.

A lack of basic knowledge means over a third of men admitting they exaggerate their mechanical know-how in order to fit in.

This exaggeration of the truth is highest amongst the younger generation, with 23 per cent of under-35s out to impress with their ‘knowledge’ on the topic, compared to just seven per cent of over-65s.